Would you dare to be photographed at your worst moment? With PITERA™ Essence, you will. Witness the living proof of Crystal Clear Skin, even when it's meant to be your worst moment, through SK-II's boldest PITERA™ stress test yet.

"Late Night Portraits" is SK-II's latest feat to showcase the power of its exclusive and iconic PITERA™ and PITERA™ Essence.

At the heart of SK-II, PITERA™ is a naturally derived skincare ingredient crafted from a proprietary yeast fermentation process that is exclusive to SK-II. PITERA™ Essence is SK-II's signature and most awarded best-seller globally. Containing over 90% PITERA™, it is nicknamed "Miracle Water" by millions of women from around the world for transforming skin to Crystal Clear Skin. Every 3 seconds, 1 bottle of PITERA™ Essence is sold in the world[1].

The "Late Night Portraits" campaign features a series of stunning photographs starring SK-II's beloved brand ambassadors including MINA of global girl group TWICE, Japanese actress Ayaka Miyoshi, Japanese comedian Naomi Watanabe as well as SK-II's longest-standing brand ambassador, Japanese actress Kaori Momoi, all courageously captured at their worst moment.

In this bold stress-test, celebrities had their skin prepped with nothing but PITERA™ for the shoot and were photographed bare skinned.

Unveiled at the first-ever World PITERA™ Day in Tokyo on July 13, 2022, SK-II's "Late Night Portraits" campaign is inspired by SK-II's latest first-in-the-world PITERA™ 24/7 Skin Fluctuation Study on the skin of young women. The breakthrough studies, conducted 24/7 for over six weeks, goes beyond SK-II's pioneering longitudinal skin research to uncover how women's skin condition-texture, pores, redness, dullness, hydration and barrier function fluctuates greatly within a day, even looking up to almost 10 years older due to multiple daily stressors.

The time of the day she's at her worst? Late at night. If daily skin fluctuations are not tackled, visible skin problems in the long-term will be accelerated due to an accumulation of these daily fluctuating skin concerns.

In SK-II's PITERA™ 24/7 Skin Fluctuation Study, SK-II discovered that after regular use of PITERA™ and a bottle of PITERA™ Essence as her skincare essential, her skin fluctuations are dramatically stabilized, and her skin transforms to Crystal Clear Skin. How is this possible?

PITERA™ by SK-II is welcomed in by skin like its own because PITERA™ has a unique composition that resembles skin's Natural Moisturizing Factors. This allows PITERA™ to be absorbed quickly and deeply* into skin delivering all its goodness of over 50 micronutrients. PITERA™ is the essential skincare ingredient proven to stabilize skin fluctuations and provide visible transformation to Crystal Clear Skin. Skin is transformed to Crystal Clear Skin even when it's meant to be her worst moment.

"It was an unusual experience to be photographed at night without makeup. But when the cameras started clicking, I felt at ease knowing that my skin fluctuations have been stabilized by PITERA™. I'm happy and impressed at how well my skin turned out, as even late at night, my skin remained Crystal Clear," said MINA.

"I was eager to participate in Late Night Portraits because I was curious about how well my skin would stand up to the test. My skin turned out radiant and truly looked its best even at my worst moment. I hope my Late Night Portrait will convince everyone to be more conscious of starting a skincare routine early," said Ayaka Miyoshi.

"What a bold and cool idea it was to do a bare skinned late night photoshoot. My skin fluctuates frequently during the day and I have noticed before that late night is my worst moment. However, with PITERA™, my skin stayed Crystal Clear and looked amazing," said Naomi Watanabe.

"I really like how SK-II is unafraid to push boundaries. The idea of putting our skin to the test with Late Night Portraits intrigued me and, as a long-time user of PITERA™ Essence, I felt confident about the condition of my skin even late at night," said Kaori Momoi.

"Late Night Portraits" builds on SK-II's growing collection of stories about its iconic PITERA™ and PITERA™ Essence. Through the years, SK-II has been on a journey to bring to life the legend of PITERA™ as well as stories of PITERA™ Essence and transformation to Crystal Clear Skin in new and meaningful ways for its consumers over generations. This started from authentic celebrity testimonials in its early days to bold challenges with 2017's "Face The Wild Face the Camera" with National Geographic, 2018's "Bare Skin Project" with Magnum Photos, an industry-first beauty entertainment web-series with 2019's "Bare Skin Chat" and "PITERA Masterclass", an iconic skincare campaign remake with 2021's "My Pitera™ Story", as well as 2022's "PITERA™ & Me", SK-II's first-ever self-directed film series by its newest Gen Z brand ambassadors.

"Our latest SK-II campaign "Late Night Portraits" builds on our iconic PITERA™'s legacy of miraculous skin transformation and is underpinned by our desire to solve one of the greatest skin frustrations and problems of our consumers—young women of today." shared Sue Kyung Lee, CEO, Global SK-II. "Based on our latest breakthrough study about the phenomenon of daily skin fluctuations in young women and the discovery of how she can look up to almost 10 years older within a day, we embarked on this bold stress-test to uncover the condition of PITERA™-powered skin in her worst moment. Inspired by our celebrity ambassadors' courage in stepping up to do a bare skinned photoshoot late at night, I did my own "Late Night Portrait" during World PITERA™ Day. With PITERA™ as the essential, I can personally testify that late-night Crystal Clear Skin is indeed possible."

The expansion of mobile internet access in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is continuing at pace, but risks leaving women further behind, according to new analysis published today by the GSMA.

The GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2022 shows that after years of progress towards women's equal digital inclusion across LMICs, only 59 million additional women in LMICs started using mobile internet in 2021 compared to 110 million in 2020.

This recent slowdown in the growth rate at which women are adopting the mobile internet across LMICs is in contrast with continued high growth rates for men. It represents the first time GSMA data has recorded such a negative trend.

Across LMICs, the report shows that the mobile internet gender gap has narrowed every year from 2017 to 2020, from 25 per cent to 15 per cent. However, GSMA data from 2021 suggests that this momentum has been lost. Women are now 16 per cent less likely than men to use the mobile internet, which equates to 264 million fewer women than men using mobile internet.

In South Asia, traditionally the region with the widest mobile gender gap, this rebound has been even more stark. The mobile internet gender gap had narrowed significantly, from 67 per cent in 2017 to 36 per cent in 2020, but has now widened to 41 per cent.

GSMA Director General Mats Granryd said: "For decades, mobile internet has been transforming the lives of women across the globe, especially in low- and middle-income countries. But the worrying statistics in our Mobile Gender Gap Report 2022 show that far more needs to be done to prevent women being left behind in the digital economy. Institutions, corporations and governments around the world need to focus on the importance of inclusion, and actively seek to combat such inequalities. The GSMA is committed to working with mobile operators and governmental stakeholders to address this negative trend and ensure that women do not miss out on the transformative power of mobile technology, wherever they live in the world."

These findings are particularly significant, since mobile remains the primary way women access the internet across LMICs, and the benefits of internet connectivity can be life-changing. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of mobiles as a valuable tool for helping women access health information, stay connected to their families during lockdowns, continue income-generating opportunities and access government support.

The GSMA introduced the Connected Women Commitment Initiative in 2016 to catalyse action to close the mobile gender gap. Over this time, over 40 mobile operators across Africa, Asia and Latin America have made formal commitments to accelerate digital and financial inclusion for women. These operators have already reached more than 55 million additional women with mobile internet or mobile money services.

However, mobile operators cannot work in isolation. The mobile gender gap is a significant global issue, requiring attention from all stakeholders to ensure women and their families can reap the full benefits of connectivity. In total, only 60% of women in LMICs now use the mobile internet, compared to 71% of men.

The annual GSMA Mobile Gender Gap report is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) via the GSMA Mobile for Development Foundation. It plays an important role in sizing the mobile gender gap and generating regional and country-level data to draw attention to this issue, as well as providing key evidence to inform action from stakeholders.

This year's findings demonstrate the importance of continuing to collect data to understand the issue and address the key barriers preventing women from accessing and benefiting from mobile internet, including affordability, digital skills, and social norms that inhibit women's access and use of mobile technology.

It is only with the concerted action and collaboration of different stakeholders that we can truly accelerate progress on this issue, and ensure that gender inequalities are not further entrenched.

The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling today's biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work, and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.

The GSMA's Connected Women programme works with mobile operators and their partners to address the barriers to women accessing and using mobile internet and mobile money services. Connected Women aims to reduce the gender gap in mobile internet and mobile money services and unlock significant commercial opportunities for the mobile industry and socio-economic benefits for women.

This report is the output of a GSMA Mobile for Development Foundation project funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The views expressed are not necessarily those of either organisation.

Participating in a beauty pageant, a school pageant, a swimsuit pageant, or even a fitness competition may be life-changing. But, in order to boldly crush your competition (particularly as a rookie or in your first pageant), you'll need some winning knowledge.

Stay on top of things and take the initiative required: In addition to having a queen who is lovely on the inside and outside, organizers want a queen who will take the initiative and act fast in various scenarios. Make sure you understand and adhere to the competition's schedule. This includes submitting your application and documents on time, being on time for all events (including practice), and constantly communicating efficiently with the organizers.

Furthermore, it is your job to understand the pageant's regulations – what you may wear, how much time you have for the interview, what is permitted and not allowed during the competition, and so on. If you aren't sure about something, ask the pageant director, who is there to assist you and the other contestants.

First, a mindset on point: Having a positive attitude is one essential pageant idea to follow. Some competitors are stunning and have impressive resumes, but that doesn't imply they have it all figured out. Often, it is not the most beautiful or successful female who wins the crown. Have faith in yourself and your abilities to achieve. If you think negatively about what can happen, you will sabotage your efforts. Why should anyone else believe in you if you don't? Furthermore, regardless of the outcome, there is always the possibility of learning from the experience, gaining information, and making a new friend or two.

Get your looks right: teeth and skin: To be honest, you don't have to be exceptionally beautiful to win a pageant, even a beauty pageant. Remember that the judges and organizers are most likely searching for a well-rounded lady who is the whole deal from the inside out. Having said that, it is still critical that you handle yourself in the proper manner. Paying attention to details is an important element of presenting oneself effectively and looking your best. Particulars such as your physique, skin, nails, and teeth are very important.

Learn precisely how to do your makeup well: With all of the free tools accessible on YouTube, there is practically no excuse not to know how to contour or apply lashes in 2022 and beyond. Before competing, if you are new to cosmetics, understand the fundamentals. Eye makeup can make or break your appearance, so it's worth spending some time practicing beforehand. It is far preferable to spend a few hours rehearsing and polishing your appearance rather than obtaining it only minutes before you step on stage.

Plan your wardrobe details for every preliminary event: You'll need the perfect combination of clothing to wear during the tournament, so make sure you plan ahead of time. You will compete in many preparatory events during the course of numerous pageant tournaments. A pageant tip that is quite useful is to pre-plan and organize your outfits for each and every occasion and then split them off in your bag. This covers shoes, accessories, and even how you intend to do your hair and makeup for each competition.

Keep your wardrobe classy and modest: Even though we live in a very casual world in terms of how we dress, how we interact with one another, and even how we behave ourselves as women matters, a pageant is unquestionably the time and place to elevate your game. Jeans and sneakers shouldn't be in your wardrobe unless you are instructed to dress down for a pageant. Every time you step out during a pageant competition, you should be dressed to the nines. Also, always keep it modest - if it's a little too tight, a little too short, or someone would wear it to a nightclub, think twice about taking it to a pageant.

Practice your on-stage performance with your final night wardrobe: Stage presentation is an area of competition that may help you stand out from the crowd. It's the way a female grabs all attention with her confidence and the sparkle in her eyes. Watching video clips of previous tournaments and looking for the female you can't take your eyes off of is a terrific technique to recognize stage presence.

The Apurva Kempinski Bali and partners have come together to inspire and seek ways of addressing the important topic of sustainability with another breakthrough at the resort, this time in the form of a Sustainable Wedding Package. To promote the activation of this movement, similar-minded key partners are invited. They are Designmill Co., SukkhaCitta, Puri Ata, Taga Woodcraft, Plaga Farm, Tanamera Coffee and Balian Water.

Designmill Co. joined the project to lend their expertise with the decoration. Recycled paper papeteries, wooden chairs and potted plants are utilised to decorate the venue, with hanging natural fabric and printed customised motifs. The event decorator has brought fashion label Kaeen, who is known for sharing Indonesian creativity through their fabric. Another partner from the fashion industry is SukkhaCitta, an award-winning social enterprise that focuses on changing lives in rural Indonesia, who will be creating the wedding dress. This sustainable fashion has been recognised with a B-corp certification, which is exclusively bestowed on companies with social and environmental impact. Puri Ata and Taga Woodcraft provide their locally handmade crafts, as a sustainable wedding gift. For food and beverages, Plaga Farm has become the resort's partner that demonstrates accountability for its people and environment. Similarly, other ingredients are sourced from local producers. Meanwhile, Tanamera Coffee and Balian Water are invited to participate, as brands that are committed to respecting the ecosystem and communities with which they work with their products.

Since opening on 1 February 2019, this iconic resort has been implementing a series of programmes. For example, the resort has been replacing single-use plastic, such as straws, with biodegradable products. The resort has also been using the rooftop space to grow various types of greens for a more sustainable kitchen in the resort. Plants are grown in a hydroponic and soil cultivation system. The Green Linen Artefact was introduced to the guests as a way to enhance their local experience, and reflect the true craftsmanship of Kempinski. In collaboration with Diversey, the 'Linens for Life' programme provides free face masks made from clean and hygienic discarded hotel linen to people in the local community who are in need. Meanwhile, the Soap for Hope programme provides at-risk people with access to soap, and information about how and when to use it. Soaps from the resort are cut and disinfected and pressed together to form new soap bars.

"By introducing new initiatives, we strongly believe that we can inspire people to incorporate sustainability into all aspects of their daily lives," General Manager Vincent Guironnet shared. "This becomes even greater when partners come together, generating new ways of thinking, and making a difference."

Designmill Co. has taken a unique approach to planning, focusing on intimate events for its clients. Elegant and functional with attention to detail every step of the way, this island-favourite wedding decorator has a vision that has evolved, and now the company focuses its efforts and energy on achieving more sustainable production.

In working their magic, Designmill Co. keeps three pillars in mind: minimising single use items, focusing on upcycling and reusing items, and reducing their impact on mother Earth. Among their initiatives, biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials are utilised, and local potted florals are prepared instead of fresh cut flowers. By doing this, the company strive to reduce their CO2 admissions.

SukkhaCitta is an ethical fashion company wholly focused on empowerment, ethical and sustainable production and environmental responsibility, and this is reflected in how this corporation operates. More than just a fashion brand, this award-winning social enterprise incorporates three pillars into everything it does, which are empowering women, regenerating eco-systems and sustaining culture.

The outstanding craftsmanship of Puri Ata and Taga Woodcraft is the work of the local craftsmen in Bali. All of their products are handmade, creating a stable source of income for the craftsmen and their families.

Tanamera Coffee, Plaga Farm and Balian Water have been known for fostering a sustainable environment in each of their respective areas. The three labels embrace the local community in creating their products, and are known for actively engaging with them.

About The Apurva Kempinski Bali: Standing atop the majestic cliff of Nusa Dua, with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and a tropical garden, The Apurva Kempinski Bali offers the epitome of beachfront luxury. This five-star resort in Bali presents itself as a majestic open-air theatre, an embodiment of Indonesian elegance. A collection of 475 iconic rooms, suites and villas are showcased, with 60% of the accommodation featuring its own private plunge pools. From a unique culinary journey and indigenous spa treatments, to the spacious meeting rooms and alluring chapels, The Apurva Kempinski Bali is a spectacular stage where curated experiences are brought to life. kempinski.com/bali

About Kempinski: Created in 1897, Kempinski Resorts is Europe's oldest luxury resort group. Kempinski's rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 79 five-star resorts and residences in 34 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle resorts, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent resort brands.